Whatever the reasons were behind North Korea's decision to launch a second rocket this year – a feat unprecedented to this point – the intended audience is likely more domestic than international.

Coming on the heels of a failed launch last April, and just before the one year anniversary of his father's death, analysts say North Korea's young new leader is more interested in sending a message to his impoverished nation than he is with any potential international consequences that could follow.

"I think this is very important to Kim Jong-un to build political legitimacy and bolster the spirits of his people," James Schoff, a North Korea specialist with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told CNN. "He is doing this despite the fact that he knows he is going to come into a lot of criticism in the region for it."

Wednesday's launch took many by surprise, considering an extension announced earlier this week to address apparent complications with the rocket could have pushed back an attempt to send it up until the end of the month.

The United States and other governments fear the tests serve as an undercover guise to enhance North Korea's ballistic missile program.

Longtime North Korea watchers said the leadership succession process is now complete with Kim Jong-un viewed as the formalized leader of North Korea.

But the launch came during the more crucial power consolidation process where the new leader has purged senior military officers favored by his father's regime in an effort to re-balance the leadership toward the governing Workers Party.

This launch was viewed by some analysts as providing an opportunity that could help Kim Jong-un in his push for that consolidation of power.

"If Kim Jong-un pulls off a successful long range missile test, its a very important signal saying that yes I, Kim Jong-un have replaced the powerful generals," John Park, a Stanton Junior Faculty Fellow at MIT told CNN. "It shows that I have found the right balance and I am now in charge."

More importantly for Kim, a successful launch would further cement his leadership status in the eyes of the North Korean elite.

"It's more of him now establishing his credentials and his legitimacy outside of the shadow of his father," Park says.

And with leadership transitions already underway or soon to occur in neighboring South Korea, Japan and China, the leadership in Pyongyang may be betting that those governments will not want to spend too much time focusing on North Korea policy beyond the usual condemnations of such launches before they all take power.

Traditionally, these types of launches were more an act of brinksmanship on the part of the North Korean regime in order to get the attention of the United States as an effort to engage in a new round of negotiations.

In April, North Korea invited media from around the world into the notoriously secretive country to report on that launch. Even more unique was the admission of the rocket's failure by the new leadership.

And because of that, the stakes for Kim Jong-un and a more successful launch were much higher this time.

soundoff(234 Responses)

sebastian

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sebastian http://www.measuredup.com/user/pyjamamarket3

1) To oustider, it is a question of saving face... Remember the last launch?
2) To insider, propaganda, political power, and saving face...
3) Now I'm hungry, where is my food... I have a bomb and I can now shoot it...

He is a product of his father. He is showing his father's training on his young mind...not leaving any room for doubt. He was brainwashed. Now, he is saying he is a formidable foe. Got that right and he's a sick one at that. He thinks as his father did....power is a good thing. I suggest we all keep an eye on him. He's a nasty piece of work.

Jesus Christ loves the sinner,but not the sin on the Cross,so God desires to save the sinner from the sin,but wars kill the sinner,and can't save the sinner from the sin,only the Cross and Gospel of Jesus Christ can save sinners from sin.So wars are a deception and a sin of Satan,who doesn't want Jesus Christ to save the sinner from his sin,because Satan hates man,and wants to be God.Satan even tempts men to play God,such as the final and worst antichrist,to put themselves in God's place,and the Bible says even now there are many antichrists,this is how we will know the final antichrist.He will be a warrior who deceives the world and makes war in God's name,putting himself in God's place,playing God taking God's power of life and death in war and killing the innocent along with guilty,which is the nature of war itself. God told Abraham,He doesn't kill the innocent along with the guilty,not even by mistake as wars do,God doesn't make mistakes,men do.Wars are of the sin of Genesis chapter 3,man believing he can be as God and know good and evil as God,but the Bible says nothing is equal to God,so man in wars kills both the good and the evil,when only the Cross and Gospel of Jesus Christ can save man from sin,this means nothing else,not wars.Wars can't save your body,it's destined to die,we all die,and wars can't save your soul,or even keep it from God's Kingdom,only God has that power,man doesn't,and all authority has been given to Jesus Christ regarding your Salvation in this life and in the life to come..

I went to the Holy Land and Jesus, in a vision, told me that anyone pouring on the religion during a non-religious story is sinning and interfering with understanding and, as a result, will send you straight to Hell if you do not repent and stop such ridiculous activity.

Wow as soon as I poped this on my phone I got a message that what I read was private n should not read any further. So much for acknowlaging our need to know. Thanks for the update cnn. As an american I have the right to follow where my country is leading me

Except he probably does know. Let's not start on Obama and how my small business went to sh** because of taxing us twice. Maybe if he cheats on his wife he would do a better job. Btw we will bomb north Korea within 3 years

I'm sure there will be several people who will do some crazy things on the 21st, thinking that the world is going to end. But then again, we really need to cleanse the gene pool of these people anyway.

I think what we really need to do is shoot one of their test launches down, right over their own skies. That would show them how powerless they really are, and what would really happen if they tried to launch a missile towards any other country.

Although, that would draw a lot of criticism from many other countries.

Who the hell is the is the US or the rest of the international community for that matter, to tell any country what to do or not to do with universal scientific knowledge?
Is the US the policeman of the world?, and, did anybody tell the US not to go ahead with the Manhattan Project, build ballistic missiles or stockpile chemical and biological weapons?; you may agree or not agree, but what is fair is fair for friend and foe, and God knows that the US or the "western alliance" has no too many "true friends" around the world, and that is a fact of life.

The US would not have any right to complain, but for the fact that North Korea has agreed on more than one occasion not to launch rockets in exchange for financial food aid. If they have the money to launch rockets, they should not be begging for money from other countries.

I agree. I can't even understand the media giving this fat pig credence when there are hundred of thousands of prisoners in their prison camps dying everyday. The international community is not afraid of this fool. its like having a recurrent rash in the crotch with this puny nation.

All we need to do is to let North Korea know that if they were ever to launch so much as anything that resembles a strike of any kind on United States .........North Korea 4 hours will not exist. It will be one large radio active parking lot. That will also send one hell of a message to the rest of the world.

Gee I don't know why did North Korea launch a rocket? Maybe they want to have the ability to protect themselves from the invading armies of Democracy that seem to be traveling around the globe invading other Nations and installing puppet regimes. Let's see we have Panama, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Nicaragua, and South Korea to name just a few. Maybe just Maybe other Nations are getting a little sick and tired of this Democracy Act that the US is playing out. Time for the New Socialist Democratic Movement to stand down

Why? So they can market their technology elsewhere. That's why. Now it's clear that it works. Or it worked once. Pakistani nukes and North Korean missiles to stick them on and any rag tag bunch of psychopaths with a flag and a credo and enough drug money can declare their own country. I can't WAIT for Joseph Kony or al Qaeda in Mali to get The Bomb. It will be awesome.

It could be anything, hell it could just be a non working pile of junk lol, most likely they are making sure it isn't an explosive I would assume. If it were to be a bomb detonated in the right are it could kill a bunch of satellites, and potentially cause issues. Buuuut doubtful NK could pull that off imo.

why ? because they could and they are defiant to the nations who want to keep them under wrap. Maybe they will be good and only use a satellite for communications and not war. Can we give them the benefit of the doubt while we keep watching them ? seems like an option to me.

Actually, we NEED to invade our own white house and congress and kick all the corrupt politicians out and start over. I am far less concerned with NK, and increasingly concerned with our leaders of this great nation. We are in for hard times, and unless we the people, a well regulated militia, do something about it...then we are all (The Whole World) in for a rough next 20 years or more. Just remember, if the US collapses, so will every other country.

You don't have a lot of faith in the rest of the world. And you suppose we what, "storm Washington" with a well-organized militia? And speaking of "well-organized", why do you think this militia will be anymore organized than the government? The problem isn't nessessarily the government, but people with selfish agendas in government. People just need to get priorities straight, thats all.

December 12, 2012 at 5:37 pm |

AverageJoe76

Sorry. Replace "well-organized" with well regulated. Same difference when speaking of humans and doing things 'well'.

December 12, 2012 at 5:40 pm |

Eatme

You are right, i have very little faith in the rest of the world being able to handle their problems without having to have the baby sitter (US) step in and fix the issue. As for raiding washington, yes, i think from what our founding fathers stated in reasoning the 2nd amendment means just that. We need to stand up against our tyrant government and force them to make changes in policy that is ruining our country and taxing our citizens without representation. The lobbyists are what have corrupted our government since the 1920's. Read a little history and you will see what I am talking about, you can start with the reasoning Herbert Walsch lobbied to have marijuana illegalized in the '30's because it would cut into his paper companies profits.

Dear lunatic jackhole: I'd be glad to see a Marine put a bullet through your traitorous, inbred skull if you or any of your fellow morons attempted to attack our Nation.

December 12, 2012 at 6:02 pm |

Eatme

Dear kylemaxwell, sad that you feel that way, I personally know several marines that feel the same way i do about our "leaders". I love my country, and i would gladly bleed for the REAL America, that is "for the people, by the people" And son, let me tell you, there isn't any reason for you to think you are tough on that computer. Don't threaten people, it just makes you look like an inbred jackhole.

December 12, 2012 at 6:16 pm |

American

You are talking about military coup which is far more dangerous than the problem we have today. What makes you belive that people who overthrow the elected leaders will have higher moral standards than the elected leaders in congress. If you overthrow democractically elected govenment you always get anarchy and lots of bloodshed. Looks like you never read history or didn't learn anything out of history.

December 12, 2012 at 11:01 pm |

tez07

Perhaps they are just building a missile shielf to protect themselves from the growing Unicorn menace.

LOL how far did this one make it?! North Korea is as big of a failure as there leader is, I learned a valuable lesson early in life and it applies right along with this conflict.......YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID

Why did you launch a rocket yesterday?????? you say you believe in god, but you go abroad and massacre poor people... you have sent thoussands of nukes to the space, and nobody says anything. funny you talk about crap, while you eat, breath and die for it.

Money is an immaterial fuel loosly applied to material goods and through manipulation economic viability is throttled. If firing a rocket manipulates and empowers a country to work harder increasing material production, more power to them. But without fuel, there is no fire, no energy. Attacking the US would destroy the global economy as we know it. Despite our finacial hole, we still have a tremendous amount this immaterial fuel flowing through our country. As 2008 showed. Any sizable shock to our system now will hurdle the world into a economic dark age. From there it is all about natural resources, which are abundant here. ...And that what the human world needs, to fail and reset.

NK and the world has done this dance so many times, I would think that Kim Jong-un wants to appear on "Dancing with the Stars".......Step 1: Provoke, Step 2: Get food and fuel in return, Step 3: Remain silent for 2-6 months, Step 4: Repeat.........Cha Cha Cha

Apparently, you are not aware that the term refers to "foreigner". That being the case, since presumably you are not from there and would be the foreigner in Korea, both North and South, you don't trust of yourself.

Interesting. What I care about is this: I am a type 1 diabetic. My feet were going to be amputated. until I found a simple way to stop that from happening. if you are a diabetic you need to read saveyourfeetDOTwordpressDOTcom

The reactions world-wide to NK space probe launch means that everybody underestimated NK. Instead of fear-mongering, we should accept NK into the space age and treat it as equal and accept it instead of isolating it even further.

The monster than NK is today was created by the nations that shunned it away.

A snake wanted to cross a raging river to go to the other side, asked a turtle for a ride, the turtle said, but if I give you a ride you will bite me, the snake said no, the turtle gave a snake a ride, upon reaching the bank of the river, the snake bit the turtle, dying, the turtle said you promise not to bite me, the snake said, sorry but I'm a SNAKE.

You're right about that Jim. To make matters worse.......without the US they wouldn't even have those weapons. We give all these foreign countries the weapons..or at least the $ to buy them....then turn around and get angry when they use them. Is the US leaders on drugs?

America can help everyone and send tech to mars that'll last 30 years or so, and have the voyager reach the edge of space which launched what in the 70's/80's. Yet we can't feed the hungry or help the poor, but those on the high horse get everything and anything.

Who cares if NK launches a rocket in space. If NK hits USA guess what (no more NK).

Oh but you guys are WRONG, what do you think WELFARE, FOOD STAMPS, MEDICAID, MEDICARE, WIC, etc. are feeding??? the rich?? LMMFAO you people post the biggest bunch of nonsense that I have ever read...if we didnt have so many feeloaders banking on that govt check every 1st of the month, then we could take care of the LEGITIMATELY poor, hungry, unemployed...but instead we have all the babys mamas and lazy ignorant non-educated minorities living off of MY tax dollars, so we are feeding the poor and hungry and lazy and ignorant and ILLEGALs. just a little fyi, read a book before posting more ignorant nonsense.

December 12, 2012 at 4:43 pm |

Sunshine, Lollipops, Great Big Throbbing C.........

And what book would you recommend Eat Me – "Mein Kampf"?

December 12, 2012 at 5:21 pm |

Eatme

Well, obviously Obama has been...most of his policies seem to be derived from that exact era in German history. Taking over the healthcare industry, bigger government with more regulation, a society that DEPENDS on its govt., you do realize that many of Hitlers Nazi ideals have carried over to the western world, right? Haha maybe you should read the Mien Kampf, just because it represents an era that was truly dreadful doesnt mean you shouldnt read it. Only the ignorant will allow history to repeat itself, because they themselves have not applied history to their current situation.

December 12, 2012 at 5:52 pm |

bhaskie357

Sten, what's stopping you from feeding the hungry or helping the poor? Do you need the government to be the one to make sure you do that? Why don't you stop complaining about "the rich hypocrites" and start focusing on the socialist hypocrites. Get out there, and give some of your time and your money to help the poor and feed the hungry, and ... guess what... you can do it WITHOUT Obama's permission or "mandate".

December 12, 2012 at 6:25 pm |

Sheila

you can say for each other to read a book, you can say America isn't taking care of it's poor. Yo can say America isn't the greatest country. But you do not have to live here. Fortunately for all the people on here complaining about "taking over our government and taking back our country" (that was in another thread). This country has great intentions. The people here love and believe in an America where everyone has a chance. We have the right to pursue happiness. It is not our obligation. We take care of the poor. When my family fell on hard times believe me we used it. We are still struggling and have a small amount of support for food that we still use. I am a mother and I had to go back to work to support my family. I am thankful everyday for this country. I am sorry for any other country and even more sorry for any person living in this country that doesn't see America the way I see it. You can leave. Maybe if you guys all left than people like myself and others who are really trying to make it better could succeed. I suppose if we check and the missile isn't up there lying dormant waiting for a signal to shot out sonic missiles to the countries throughout the world than we have nothing else to worry about. As we get more financially stable we help out others who are going through what we went through. We started a small organization to try to do our part. Most people we help, in turn end up helping others who have less than them. There is always someone who has more than you and someone who has less than you. SO just spend your time trying to find happiness. Remember no one wants to be in this war. The terrorists came over to our country and took our aircrafts and tore us apart (albeit temporarily). Though the pain will be felt forever. Just try to run late for a flight and you will see the impact they created. We are responding to their decision. Maybe THEY should have thought first.
God Bless America, and The World.

December 12, 2012 at 8:11 pm |

rightospeak

The problem with North Korea is propaganda by our very own Imperial Parrots to keep us in a Constant State of Alarm or fear to judstify obsene military spending due to pressure from special interest groups, to enrich the 1% that profits from wars. There is an article by 2 generals that is excellent on our foolish military spending, but the comments are being controlled by a Facebook,Disquis censors so many good comments will not be written in. The Korean people should have the opportunity to be united-the Yalta sellout and the Cold War is over. Our country is bankrupt and we need to pull the troops out, before they are left to fend for themselves. The best we can do for all involved is to unite the 2 Koreas and there should be articles on this ASAP.

Going from war to peace is not like flicking off a light switch, and Korea is a very complicated situation. 60 years ago families were separated by war and the 38th parallel. For many that was probable the last time they saw each other. The country has gone from parents and siblings grieving about the war dividing them to cousins who hate each other cause they've never met and are told they are enemies. The country could be unified today peacefully with full on celebrations and koreans would would still distrust their northern/southern brethren. They're Americans who still distrust the Russians, and the cold war ended 20 years ago.

Another problem would be which country takes over whom. Do you honestly think Kim Jung un is going to step down from his inherited life of luxury and leadership?

Peace is an unnatural state of humankind. Never in human history has our race ever had an armed conflict NOT going on in some part of the planet

guns dont kill people, people kill people sooo usa is my country i will think of this country more than any i think USA should think about own problems if you know that world economy is attached to you and we know that every thing strarts from here soo we should resolve our own problems first. secondly nick is right about storm comments. i have small buisness in new york and i know how we are surviving even buisnesses forget of an individual working doing job. hand to mouth and living pay check to pay check. i think in new york alot of people have madicade and all those social services just on the basis of humanity which they dont deserve if i see a person getting off on a wheel chair from an embolett right after that fold his wheel chair and start walking definatly some thing is wrong with the picture this is what is happening. i have nothing against no body but instead of working people are starting to live on government money dont bother looking for job. if we have this kind of situation why bother going global and blamming every other countries for our mistakes plzzz stop this war era get back to work i miss clinton eraa where every body had a job and with integrity if i heart any body feelings plzz forgive me iam just another citizen of world

I blame that piece of crap China for not doing more to crack down on their NK buddies! I believe that China secretly supports them in their mission, but to the world criticizes them. They are like two kissing cousins!. Don't trust that damn China! 

It IS!....which is ANOTHER reason why they should stop giving money to other countries to "support their economy"!

December 12, 2012 at 3:21 pm |

Edog355

The US doesn't give money or supplies to any country to just be nice. It is done for political purposes to buy loyalty. What drives the US government crazy is when others don't buy into Washington's belief that everyone can be bought. Funny how the US keeps getting burned by countries who take their money then don't follow their orders. Yet the US never stops giving the aid – what dummies. I guess they think someday that loyalty will just happen.

The US is broke and should consider using what little money they have left on their own people – especially since their education, health and transportation systems are getting embarrassed by even some of the smallest and poorest countries in the world.

December 12, 2012 at 4:01 pm |

Thapz

Us is Balancing world politics so Plz Stop blaming US,If US was not playing role in politics of world it would have been worst condition.More war will errupt and there will be no chance of peace in world.
Note:i am Asian.

Hey Nicky – Go lie down before you hurt yourself. Granted there are certain situations where the U.S should not be involved. However the world is a different place now. Lest we forget the U.S. prior to WWII ever thought a small country would ever attack the U.S. Please go read a history book. The U.S. will never ever be pimp slapped like that again, never...

Please you should be worried about what is going in your country than in north korea, because America test more military weapon than any country but aparently it's ok. Aparently it's ok to invade other countries to steal their resources and kill their people. Be wary because your country is falling apart and will soon fall into a poice state. Democracy doesn't exist in world of capitalist. You are all sheeps who are cluesless and have no clue what is going on around them. Worry about what is happening in your own backyard before you dare talk about someone elses country and thinking an invasion is the right thing to do. You are all brainwashed. TV has caused you to believe in lies fed to you day in and day out. Pacified and Docile imbiciles who don't see the truth and when you realize what they have done it will be do late for you, Physically and Spiritually. Let whatever higher being you believe guide you. Open your minds and your eyes. America you are sad.

We've only had democracy running for 200+ years, put in place and built by unwanted peasants of tyranic countries back in the day. And still w/ a crappy economy, we are the greastest empire there is right now. Your country is a joke lol. But we would still come help you and send aid if your country was invaded. Cry all you want, but we take care of business and bullies.

LOL, America is in so much debt, what strong economy? They owe China trillions of dollars that will never be paid off. If you call a life of debt and poverty an empire by all means you have the greatest empire in the world. Your country is in ruins but are blinded to see the facts. I'm from Canada and it's sad we have to partner up with America, who will just bring down our strong economy. But as they say love thy neighbour.

December 12, 2012 at 11:33 am |

get a clue

Once again....proof we shouldn't spend a DIME to "help" all these other countries. F-em!

Exactly, you should be helping your own country before trying to invade, I mean help other countries.

December 12, 2012 at 11:45 am |

Why All The Hate

yeah dayam you guys should help yourself for a start.

December 12, 2012 at 1:04 pm |

John

Horus, you can sit in your house in Canada blind and completely ignorant. The world is not a nice place. People are killing innocent people every day and you would have the United States sit on our butts and do nothing? We may be economically weak right now but we are the greatest nation to exist today. Our economy will rebound over time, we will pull our troops from foreign soils, and the world will continue to look to us for aid, partnerships, trade, and advise on an international scale.

John, all i can say is wow. Self proclaimed "greatest nation'... that's a joke if i ever heard one. You can take that comment and shove it up there with the "american dream". I refuse to even capitalize the "a" in american because your idiotic nation does not deserve the respect of a capital a. You invade countries to which you are at least triple in size ( however i dont blame you i mean your military is nothing but monkeys with high tech toys) try invading Russia or Germany, Asia even. You will fall flat on your face and be carried home like the bunch of narrow minded, uneducated, doughnut eating low self esteemed monkeys that you are. Your country has no resources (despite what "Dallas" was portraying ((for all of you uneducated monkeys it was a tv series that showed the struggle in power in Dallas over oil)). You import everything from different countries including petrol from Canada. So go to your neighborhood doughnut store grab a (what do american eat 40,50 a sitting?) of doughnuts, go back home, sit on your couch and believe you are superior to everyone else when you fact your fat asses are useless in the world. You want to solve all the problems in the world? Make the great and proud us of monkeys disappear, and no i dont mean with nuclear weapons, all it should take to make that happen is to close down all fast food joints. What ever will you do without MacDonald s? ( hah even MacDonald s gets a caps unlike the us of fat overweight uneducated monkeys)

December 12, 2012 at 1:04 pm |

EatMe

Eagle...are you serious? Where are you from kind sir? To be perfectly honest, America does have its issues, and yes our economy is weak right now, however, I am willing to bet we still have a larger GDP than YOUR country does. You see, I see all these people that want to bash Americans, and bash America...but what you do not understand is that without the Great United States of America, your piddly little country would have been over-run by terrorists, thugs or people like yourself long ago. Now I personally could care less about you or your background, for one main reason. I am not you. Therefore you having to voice your opinion about the US of A just shows how shallow and sad of a little man you are. Especially being that you generalize Americans, regarding there education, lifestyles, etc. and realistically have no idea what your uneducated self is talking about. You see, without AMERICANS you would not have electricity, cars, phone, tv, computers, internet, or many other of the daily luxuries that you are taking advantage of. So again I ask you, what country are you from that is so excellent that you feel you can bash Americans? Once you answer that and feel like you are still better than any other American, why dont you come on down to Texas, and I will show you a thing or two. Putz.

December 12, 2012 at 4:34 pm |

Eagle

Dear Mr, Eatme, The usa does have a higher GDP then where I am from, you are correct, My where-a-bouts does not concern you in anyway, shape, or form. You are correct about your GDP, You probably have one of the if not the highest in the world. Yet what does this say about your economy, your political leaders, media influence in your country and your population when a "leading nation" with a high(est) GDP have more debt then any other country, and keep going into more and more debt with each passing second? Now had this been a recent thing it would be understandable however its not like this has been a few months or even a few years type thing. Your self proclaimed national pride is useless in this situation, and you should take a step back and look at the bigger picture. As for without usa my country would be full of terrorists that is also incorrect, infact take a look back, all attacks in recent years have begun with peoples HATE towards the states for there meddling ways when they are not needed. You believe that because a country is "struggling" (as per some definition that your sorry country has deemed fit in order to make the population support and feel better) about you invading other peoples homes in order to "help" them is what has sparked attacks. Again your statement is wrong my country would not be run by terrorists if you did not exist, it would be better off. Now address your "little man comment" i thought your country was built on freedom of speech, so me voicing my opinion should make you proud I'm at least incorporating some of your "fine" country's believes. Half the things you mentioned in your list fyi where not created in the states so again that comment is disregarded much like all your other points. In conclusion I still feel that I am better then any american out there, but then again I value a lot of things more then I do american's (i.e gum under my shoe). As for your "come down to texas" comment, send me the money for gas or pay for my ticket to fly down and I shall come down so I can TEACH YOU A THING OR TWO. The day an american teaches me anything about or in life is the day that usa is our of debt, and we all know that wont happen in my life time, or your grand-grand-grand childrens time. Dont hold your breath for that day, we have a better chance of of hell freezing over, or you know one of you guys graduating high school..... As Im sure you are aware both of those things will never happen. Dont be so quick to judge and assume, I shall leave you with this to ponder, "give a man a fish, he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he shall eat for the rest of his life" americans can never learn to fish, you are all brain washed bandwaggoner's. Take care putz.

Maybe before you go on a rant about the US... you should look at the 6 seat agreement of 2003 or 2004 cant remember, and see just what was offered to NK by other countries. They even offered to help with their Nuclear energy dilemma. They offered food and aid. The thing about nuclear presence is not the existence but how many countries perceive them as a problem having it. BEING that NK has not taken care of its famine and human rights issues that have people eating tree bark!!!! how about we not go around making excuses to hate on the US ok. How about taking that frustration to the US and directing it to FACTS of NK. Its Juche, classism, enviro problems that have led to the mass killings of people. HAS LiITTLE TO DO WITH US as much as it has to do with a country trying to build internal competency support and justify its legitimacy. I think that fact you want to sip on hateraid instead of acknowledge the facts of the INTERNAL issues of NK first is a ploy. lets stick to NK and then work outward.

This chubby little comm-ie and the rest of the world knows......if they should ever.......ever try anything, they will be instantly 'vaporized' .....and that goes for Iran too. Best thing to do is let these godless co-called 'leaders' have their fun......it's about as far as they can realistically go!!

Wow dumbest crap I've heard on these posts. You think the world is going to let anyone vaporize anyone? I think that would impact every nation in a bad way and it don't matter what the U.S says. People won't look at the issue like it will ever be humane to do so.

You're right.....just kinda screwin' around on these boards.....and yes, there would be no good for anyone as a result of any kind of nuclear bombardment of....anywhere.....I just hope those commie-dopes use their heads, wake up, and stop acting like they think they're going to rule the world......I mean, look what happened to Germany!

December 12, 2012 at 1:51 pm |

Bobby

Step 0- DPRK and its starving masses have nothing to lose...
Step 1- have a credible nuclear weapon capable of hitting some part the of the U.S mainland..Alaska..California..
Step 2- Instigate a conflict similar to the sinking of a ship or shelling an island base.
Step 4- Deliver an ultimatum for the 20k U.S troops to leave or "we the DPRK.. can't guarantee their safety"
Step 5-gas up the tanks and over-run Seoul
Step 6- Have Comrade Obama blames Bush

Unless you follow the GOP model..
1. start two wars and bungle them entirely....
2. collapse the global economy
3. turn a 5 trillion surplus into a 10 trillion deficit in 8 years
4. Bail out your Wall St buddies at 100 cents on the dollar
5. take ZERO responsibility and run to your ranch never to be seen or heard from again

So wait no Democrats voted for the wars? Well at least they voted unlike Libya where the president decided to go to war without Congress approval.

5 Trillion dollar surplus? I'd love to see where you're coming up with those numbers.

December 12, 2012 at 10:19 am |

robertinin

Oh alan, you're so wrong it's ridiculous. For starters, the US never had a 5 trillion dollar surplus. The GOP did NOT collapse the economy – do your homework and realize that it was bungled policy on both sides of the political fence over a period of DECADES. stop drinking bleach and make sure you know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.

December 12, 2012 at 4:09 pm |

Rick

Wrong. The republican bill Gramm-Leach-Bliley 1999 repealed Glass-Steagall, creating the housing bubble which collapsed in 2006 and wiped out the economy by 2008.
It was passed by a GOP dominated congress and Bill Clinton signed it with a signing statement saying he didn't agree with it but it could not be repealed.

It had nothing to do with CRA 1977 but republicans desperately try to blame Jimmy Carter for it, ahahahhaha.

What makes you think the South Koreans would lose? Their army is large, modern, and pretty much every adult male is a trained and armed reservist. The North Koreans would get smoked if they pulled anything on the ROK.

Show people you are in power by launching a rocket and you have achieved a balance of power as you take over the country from your father's apron strings??. What a heartless and arrogant way to display power; why not increase spending across the board and initiate a long range plan that will result in feeding the people who have no choice but to live in your country? Now that's a powerful move...

ok honestly let north korea have there big dick dream cause they know damn well theyle never fire apon us or even dare to look at us so just let them have there big dick dream thinking were scared of there failed launch
"thank you and goodbye"

I think the piglet in the photo is more worried about when he's going to eat next. Besides, ever hear of the "airborne laser" (look it up on Google). It is an EASILY re-activated system to SHOOT DOWN his missile from a flying Boeing 747 platform. DPRK doesn't even have the KNOWHOW to detect a laser threat like that; they'd be scratching their heads wondering "what happened?" if we decided to shoot down their little rocket. So, North Korea can SHOVE IT. And, by the time the piglet finds out that WE shot it down, he'll know that, with our submarine-based nuclear capability for which he has NO defense, PLUS our ability to blow-up whatever he launches, the United States WINS. And the piglet knows it. Worry more about getting any uranium off of the market for them to use; either buy it, contaminate it, or impair their ability to refine it.

That's all it is. Its ALWAYS been "brinksmanship" with the DPRK, and they'll lose on this subject too. The piglet's final demand will probably be that "Little Ceaser's Pizza" build a storefront within walking distance of his palace...

Horus, you're a loud mouthed communist little sh!tbag aren't you? how much are the North Korean piglets paying you to post your uneducated, uninformed comments here? you should go back to farming in your rice patties because you haven't the foggiest idea what the hell you're talking about, asswagon.

December 12, 2012 at 10:52 am |

Eagle

"Horus" I totally agree with you, and John I don't understand how you made it past grade 1.... oh wait, "proud american edumacation" i forgot, my apologies. Its funny how ALL americans believe they have the best nation, strongest army and can do whatever they feel like. I.e invade countries to "help" them, however this is not the case. Russian, Asian, hell even Mexico can eliminate any threat that your narrow minded, uneducated country can pose. So before any of you idiots post praising the good ol US of uneducated, band-wagoners please remember your point of view is only one sided because you have been brain washed by your local and national media. Might as well find a nice tree, climb up it sit on a branch and find yourself a nice yellow banana and enjoy your "beautiful and strong empire" oh hang on for a second, you have the greatest debt in the world. Guess the mighty empire is crumbled and relying on other countries for support.

December 12, 2012 at 11:45 am |

Fill

Aww, his first erection and launch! How cute. Let's hope the new young leader has more productive ideas in mind for the future than blowing his load instead of feeding his people.

Please you should be worried about what is going in your country than in north korea, because America test more military weapon than any country but aparently it's ok. Aparently it's ok to invade other countries to steal their resources and kill their people. Be wary because your country is falling apart and will soon fall into a poice state. Democracy doesn't exist in world of capitalist. You are all sheeps who are cluesless and have no clue what is going on around them. Worry about what is happening in your own backyard before you dare talk about someone elses country and thinking an invasion is the right thing to do. You are all brainwashed. TV has caused you to believe in lies fed to you day in and day out. Pacified and Docile imbiciles who don't see the truth and when you realize what they have done it will be do late for you, Physically and Spiritually. Let whatever higher being you believe guide you. Open your minds and your eyes. America you are sad.

Horus, I would love to rebut your statements, but I fear it is already, "do late for you."

December 12, 2012 at 1:08 pm |

aeropagus

We are all sheeps who are clueless and have no clue! Horus, are you allowed to be on the computer alone? I hope you are wearing your helmet.

December 12, 2012 at 1:13 pm |

Parker

Really? you would love to rebuttal his comment, but won't due to a couple spelling mistakes? that obviously shows that you do not have a rebuttal or any sort that is good enough to show how "incredibly intelligent" you really are. Next time you have something to say about someone's comment, just say it. don't be a panzy and an uneducated donkey and simply reply by pointing out a person's spelling errors. but I guess you haven't passed grade 4 yet, so I'll leave you be.

Well here's to a better future, hopefully your hardship doesn't get any harder, but I feel it will get very difficult. Hey isn't America a filthy greedy superpower who invades countries?

December 12, 2012 at 11:53 am |

Taylor

We may be in debt, BY A LOT, But that does not mean that we are worse, then any other country. In fact, you should be scared as well. It is not yet sure that the rockets won't just hit the United States.

We stay alive/focused with a false sense of pride. Not all that different than Nazi Germany in that specific regard. Hollow pride and sense of superiorty. Leave NK alone til they are a violent threat... Then react fully. Wipe their leaders off the map.

See...this is why you have to adhere to group punishment to get results.

For instance... If you are alllllllllllllll billy bad-*** and provoke me again and again and nothing I do to try to resolve the issue is working.... I go after your parents, your wife, your children, your kin. Eventually we WILL reach an understanding and mutual agreement that resolves our conflict with each other. namely....DON'T F*** with me and we'll get along fine.

What "WE" need to do as a NATION is to apply that same solution to this issue. When N. Korea steps out of line.....slap CHINA. Soon they will reign in their errant child.

America... We have millions starving right here at home. A government who cant get their act together. An economy made of wicker and IOUs. A military stretched across every continent. We are a nation of spoiled, pampered, obese, hypocritical drama queens desparate to prove we are always right in our effort to police the world and make ourselves feel better. We arent much better.

Use the X-37B to grab that "satellite" tonight please. You can bring it back to Vandenberg in the morning and examine it. It is possible that it contains more than a radio transmitter. Thank you USAF !!!!!

The military powers in the North will not suffer. Only the people of the north and they are all to weak even think about uprising against the military powers. they will be crush in seconds and the world will never know. They control the media in the country as well. This was a political message as well. Hell it worked so now all they have to do is sell the blue prints and design to Iran. No one wants to rage war on the korean peninsula. The south has way to much to loose. Hell the north sunk their ship and shelled a island and not one shot fired back. A little missile launch is nothing to start a war over people. I war is what you want then grab your rifle and join them on the frontlines in the battle field. Before the north fall you can bet your A%^% that Seoul will get nuked first if it comes down to it.

North Korea deserves respect. You can bash the country all you want but sorry to disappoint you sir/madam, your opinion does not count.

Last year, same article appear on CNN, this year the same and next year will still be the same, it is all about demand and supply. Give us some North Korea headlines and we the people will have something to bash.

Congratulations! You just won an award for bashing North Korea this year. Please come again next year when the same headline appear here. FOOLS !

It will probably take days of satellite observation and imaging to make a determination with certainty of the actual progress North Korea has made toward intercontinental missiles, so be patient. Remember the trouble even NASA had in determinign if one of its shuttles had been damaged during launch and whether it could return or not. After that NASA developed a repair procedure and materials just in case they would be needed on future flights.

I suspect it's only a matter of time until China says"you've crossed the line too many times and you're on your own now".Anyway North Korea should stop it's current atomic bomb/rocket program so they can recieve food aid for their starving people although there's no guarantees it will go to the starving NK populace.

You want a true hostile act? How about shelling across the border and killing those civilians on that island a while back? How about the service members that still get shoyt at from the NK side of the fence? I have been there so dont tell me it doesnt happen. We put up with a lot of BS from NK and they deserve to get their a$$es handed to em!

It is interesting to see the opionion so widely held that we has a country can tell another country what it can and cannot do. North Korea has honored the Cease Fire agreement from the 50's, and has signed the Outer Space agreements of International law, yet, cannot pursue the exploration for space. Trust me, I get it.. They are deemed hostile/lots of rhetoric, etc... But they have harmed no one. I am all for invading North Korea once a true hostile act occurs.. but.. they have done nothing to anybody. It is wrong for us to put weight/sanctions on this country until they prove to be hostile.

I think it is a great accomplishment for a country.. that we are always told - is impoverished & isolate to but a satellite in space. Most countries have not been able too.. and share no sanctions...

yea it is a great accomplishment for a country that can't feed it's people but can launch rockets into space and try and make nukes. wonder how you will feel when they start launching missals and start WWIII.

I'm sure there are people starving in the U.S and the U.S spends trillions on wars, so is that a great accomplishment? You sit back and judge others so easily but you need to look around yourself instead of trying to look over seas.

December 12, 2012 at 5:16 am |

metalhead65

I am sure there are hungry people in the U.S. but it is not the fault of the government as is the case in N. Korea. since I have the freedom to say what I want without worrying about what the government might do to me for saying so and because the U.S. spends ungodly amounts of money over seas to keep the rest of the world afloat I can judge others without feeling bad about it at all. if you look down on the U.S. so much then feel free to go live in n.korea or iran or in any other country will you do not have rights or say in how you live. something tells me you would not do it if had the chance to because they would not put up with your left wing ideology nonsense.

December 12, 2012 at 8:15 am |

lol

Justin, despite the fact that North Korea did sign Cease fire agreement, they committed many hostile actions toward South korea even on couple of years back when they fired shells on south korean territory killing 2 soldiers and 2 civilians. so your argument saying they did no harm to anybody doesn't concur with what actually happened.

Maybe you should bring your military home so that when storms hit your shores you can send troops into help instead of letting your own people suffer for months – put some lotion on your neck it's looking kinda red

egdog and Nick...please, go live in North Korea since you obviously think so highly of them. Best wishes.

December 12, 2012 at 4:53 pm |

Edog355

Hey "EatMe", truth hurts huh?

December 13, 2012 at 9:32 am |

The_Mick

No they're starving in spite of the fact the the USA, China, and SK send then millions of tons of food. Their average height and weight are stunted because of their actions. And what are you advocating: turning SK over to them?

December 13, 2012 at 12:18 pm |

Freedom

They are starving because of Juche, and Natural disasters, and the financial currency change that happened in the 90's. God... really dude. Go live there and learn about the politics, classism, and the prison camps. The NK regime changed its currency over night, then did not notify ANYONE. Those who were stable were not allowed to change more than 100K won total. In addition, their dumb buts exploited all their natural resources... so they have NOTHING to protect them from landslides or typhoons/floodings. Not to mention the NK government has laws of "anti-govt" that are crazy. Why dont you go speak to NK refugees and ask them "hey so who is the enemy of your country now that you are out of NK and would you go back?" Just a little research... just a little... would make the ignorance go away.

December 13, 2012 at 2:16 pm |

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